Record-Breaking Air Ticket Sales Showcase Resilience of U.S. Travel Agencies in January 2026

The U.S. travel industry kicked off 2026 with a remarkable achievement as travel agency air ticket sales exceeded $10 billion for the first time ever in a single month. According to the latest data released by the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), January 2026 saw sales soar to $10 billion, marking a notable 7% increase compared to the same month in the previous year.

Breakdown of Travel Agency Sales Data

The ARC's report revealed some insightful metrics about this record-breaking month. The total amount of passenger trips reached 28.2 million, up 6% year-over-year. This growth was primarily driven by domestic travel, with passengers taking 17.1 million trips within the U.S., which is an increase of 4% from January 2025. Meanwhile, international travel also showed promising growth with 11.1 million trips, marking an 8% rise.

The average ticket price climbed to $581 across all categories, which is a modest 4% increase from January 2025. For economy class tickets, the average price stood at $516, seeing a rise of 7%, while the premium class ticket price remained steady at $1,406, reflecting a 3% year-over-year increase.

Industry Optimism and Future Trends

Steve Solomon, ARC’s chief commercial officer, attributed this surge in ticket sales to an optimistic outlook expressed by various North American airlines during their recent earnings calls. Travelers are demonstrating a consistent interest in both international destinations and premium cabin offerings, which are likely to continue driving demand as preferences evolve.

Interestingly, leisure travel led to a 6% increase in passenger trips issued through leisure-focused travel agencies. However, corporate agencies and online travel agencies experienced a decline, with corporate trips down 3% and online agencies seeing a decrease of 4%. This shift highlights the growing inclination toward leisure travel as the world gradually adapts to a post-pandemic reality.

The Rise of NDC Transactions

Another noteworthy trend observed was the increase in New Distribution Capability (NDC) transactions, which accounted for 20% of all ARC-settled transactions in January 2026, an increase from 16.5% the previous year. A total of 1,207 travel agencies reported engaging in NDC transactions, illustrating a shift towards more dynamic distribution methods in the travel industry.

ARC's data platform has been instrumental in shaping the air travel landscape, managing an extensive dataset of airline ticketing transactions that encompass over 27 billion passenger flights since 2015. The organization processes more than $100 billion annually in U.S.-based agency air sales, emphasizing its role as a vital connector between airlines, agencies, and travelers.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Travel

As we move through 2026, the travel industry appears to be on a robust trajectory of recovery and growth, facing challenges with innovative solutions. The ongoing interest in leisure travel and the integration of advanced distribution technologies will likely play pivotal roles in sustaining this momentum. Industry players must remain agile, adapting to changing consumer demands and leveraging data to enhance the overall travel experience.
In conclusion, January 2026 marks a new chapter for U.S. travel agencies, serving as a testament to their resilience and capacity to rebound as travelers once again embark on their adventures worldwide.